READ: ISAIAH 54:7-14; JOHN 16:33; ROMANS 8:31-39 Eight centuries before Christ’s birth, a Hebrew girl clung to her mother’s leg. Rumors of war loomed over Judah like an ominous raincloud. The ruthless Assyrians pressed against the northern border. Could Judah’s towns withstand an attack? Northern tribes had already fallen. The little girl’s future looked uncertain; [...]

READ: MATTHEW 21:1-11; PHILIPPIANS 2:1-11 The governor was coming into town. Moriah had been waiting weeks to catch even a glimpse of the man. He was supposed to stay for the festival week and bring his entourage of soldiers and even a jester. Moriah had even heard the governor’s war horse would be the biggest [...]

READ: MATTHEW 2:1-12; 2 CORINTHIANS 9:15; JAMES 1:17 Galumph, galumph. The magi had been traveling for weeks. Nothing but sand under their feet and stars in the sky above. Though the heavens were scattered with twinkling stars, one stood out amongst them all. The star. The one leading them to the King of the Jews. [...]

READ: GENESIS 4:2-5; EXODUS 3:1-4; 1 SAMUEL 16:11-13; LUKE 2:8-20 Shepherds couldn’t even testify in a court of law. That’s how much people looked down on us. They assumed we were liars. I hated that. Not to mention we were too dirty and “unclean” to enter the temple because we cared for animals, dealing with [...]

READ: MARK 4:35-41 We rocked violently against the waves and wind. The men I had grown to know and love over the last several months huddled together near the mast, what was left of the sail covering over them like a massive cloak. They held it tightly, but still the vicious weather fought to tear [...]

"So, let me get this straight.” Petronius glared at the two Roman soldiers sitting across from him. “There was a bright light, and you were knocked to the ground, and when you got up, the seal was broken, the two-ton stone was rolled away, and the body was gone?” . “There was also a roaring [...]

"Glad that business is over,” Lucius said as he tapped the base of his spear against the huge stone in front of the tomb. . Justin nodded in agreement. “I just hope it doesn't cause a revolt or something,” he said quietly so the other guards stationed nearby wouldn't overhear. . “Nah,” Lucius replied. “Did [...]

Mary Magdalene pressed a hand against her aching heart. "How do I still have tears left in me?" She had been mourning for three days, along with others who were Jesus's friends, followers, and family, but the realization was still sinking in: he was actually gone. It was dawn on the third day, and Mary [...]

He will never leave you But will be by your side Staying with you forever He promises to stay the whole ride . He will never forsake you No matter how big a mess you make You can confess your sins to Him His patience will not break . He will never forget you You [...]

Mary paused her vigorous kneading of the bread dough, her thoughts whirling. She was pledged to be married to Joseph. He was a good man who had shown her only kindness, but lately her life moved faster than the river's currents after a spring rain. Suddenly, there was a being standing before her. Mary trembled [...]